Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: generating, by an antenna system comprising an antenna array configured in a first antenna configuration, downlink beams directed towards a network edge; sending, by the antenna system, via the antenna array configured in the first antenna configuration, the downlink beams towards the network edge; scanning, by a beam index scanner operating at the network edge, the downlink beams to determine beam index scanner data for the first antenna configuration; sending, by the beam index scanner, the beam index scanner data to an antenna technician device, wherein the beam index scanner data indicates that a downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized; and configuring, by the antenna system, the antenna array in a new antenna configuration in an attempt to optimize the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically optimizing downlink beam performance in network edge environments. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and reliable downlink communication by dynamically adjusting antenna configurations to improve signal quality. The method involves an antenna system with an antenna array initially set in a first configuration. The system generates downlink beams directed toward the network edge, which are then transmitted. A beam index scanner at the network edge scans these beams to collect data on their performance, including whether the downlink channel is optimized. This data is sent to an antenna technician device, which determines if the downlink channel is suboptimal. If optimization is needed, the antenna system reconfigures the antenna array into a new configuration to improve the downlink channel. The process may involve iterative adjustments to achieve optimal performance. The invention aims to enhance signal quality and reliability in wireless networks by dynamically adapting antenna configurations based on real-time feedback from the network edge.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: generating, by the antenna system comprising the antenna array configured in the new antenna configuration, the downlink beams directed towards the network edge; sending, by the antenna system, via the antenna array configured in the new antenna configuration, the downlink beams towards the network edge; scanning, by the beam index scanner operating at the network edge, the downlink beams to determine new beam index scanner data for the new antenna configuration; sending, by the beam index scanner, the new beam index scanner data to the antenna technician device, wherein the new beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is optimized.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the first antenna configuration comprises a first azimuth value and a first tilt value associated with a position of the antenna array.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the new antenna configuration comprises a new azimuth value, a new tilt value, or both a new azimuth value and a new tilt value associated with a new position of the antenna array.
This invention relates to optimizing antenna configurations in wireless communication systems. The problem addressed is the need to dynamically adjust antenna parameters to improve signal quality, coverage, or capacity in response to changing environmental or operational conditions. The invention provides a method for determining and implementing a new antenna configuration, including adjusting azimuth (horizontal orientation) and tilt (vertical angle) values to reposition the antenna array. The method involves analyzing current performance metrics, such as signal strength or interference levels, and calculating an improved configuration based on the analysis. The new configuration may involve changing the azimuth, tilt, or both parameters to optimize signal transmission and reception. The method ensures that the antenna array is repositioned to enhance communication performance while maintaining system stability. This approach is particularly useful in environments where signal conditions vary due to obstacles, user density, or other factors, allowing for adaptive adjustments to maintain optimal wireless network performance.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising determining, by the antenna technician device, that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising: presenting, by the antenna technician device, via execution of an antenna technician device software, the beam index scanner data to an antenna technician; and presenting, by the antenna technician device, a prompt to the antenna technician to either request a change to the first antenna configuration or accept the first antenna configuration and deny any changes to the antenna array; and wherein determining, by the antenna technician device, that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized comprises determining, by the antenna technician device, that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized based upon input provided by the antenna technician in response to the prompt.
This invention relates to optimizing antenna configurations in wireless communication systems. The problem addressed is ensuring that downlink beams from an antenna array are properly optimized for signal quality and performance, often requiring manual intervention by technicians to adjust configurations. The method involves using an antenna technician device running specialized software to analyze beam index scanner data, which measures the performance of downlink beams. The technician device presents this data to an antenna technician, who reviews it to determine if the downlink channel is optimized. If the technician identifies suboptimal performance, they can request changes to the antenna configuration. Alternatively, if the downlink channel is deemed acceptable, the technician can accept the current configuration, preventing further modifications. The determination of whether the downlink channel is optimized is based on the technician's input after reviewing the presented data. This ensures that adjustments are made only when necessary, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary changes. The system thus combines automated data analysis with human expertise to refine antenna performance.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein determining, by the antenna technician device, that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized comprises determining, by the antenna technician device, that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized based upon an analysis of the beam index scanner data performed by a machine learning system.
8. A system comprising: an antenna array configured in a first antenna configuration, wherein the antenna array comprises an antenna array processor and an antenna array memory, wherein the antenna array memory comprises antenna array instructions that, when executed by the antenna array processor, cause the antenna array processor to perform antenna array operations; a beam index scanner operating at a network edge, wherein the beam index scanner comprises a beam index scanner processor and a beam index scanner memory, wherein the beam index scanner memory comprises beam index scanner instructions that, when executed by the beam index scanner processor, cause the beam index scanner processor to perform beam index scanner operations; wherein the antenna array instructions comprise generating downlink beams directed towards the network edge, and sending the downlink beams towards the network edge; wherein the beam index scanner instructions comprise scanning the downlink beams to determine beam index scanner data for the first antenna configuration, and sending the beam index scanner to an antenna technician device; and wherein the antenna array instructions further comprise configuring the antenna array in a new antenna configuration in an attempt to optimize a downlink channel provided by the downlink beams.
9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising a combined eNB/gNB that comprises the antenna array.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the antenna array instructions further comprise sending, via the antenna array configured in the new antenna configuration, the downlink beams towards the network edge; and wherein the beam index scanner instructions further comprise: scanning the downlink beams to determine new beam index scanner data for the new antenna configuration; and sending the new beam index scanner data to the antenna technician device, wherein the new beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is optimized.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the first antenna configuration comprises a first azimuth value and a first tilt value associated with a position of the antenna array.
A system for optimizing antenna configurations in wireless communication networks addresses the challenge of efficiently managing signal coverage and interference in dynamic environments. The system includes an antenna array with adjustable parameters, such as azimuth and tilt angles, to dynamically adapt to changing conditions. The first antenna configuration specifies a first azimuth value and a first tilt value, which define the spatial orientation of the antenna array relative to its position. These parameters are used to direct the antenna's beam pattern for optimal signal transmission and reception. The system may also include a second antenna configuration with a second azimuth and tilt value, allowing for further adjustments to enhance performance. By dynamically adjusting these configurations, the system improves signal quality, reduces interference, and ensures reliable communication in varying operational scenarios. The system may further incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor performance and automatically adjust the antenna configurations in real-time, ensuring continuous optimization of wireless network performance. This approach is particularly useful in environments where signal conditions fluctuate due to obstacles, user mobility, or environmental factors.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the new antenna configuration comprises a new azimuth value, a new tilt value, or both a new azimuth value and a new tilt value associated with a new position of the antenna array.
13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising the antenna technician device; and wherein the antenna technician device performs operations comprising: determining that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the antenna technician device performs operations further comprising: presenting the beam index scanner data to an antenna technician; and presenting a prompt to the antenna technician to either request a change to the first antenna configuration or accept the first antenna configuration and deny any changes to the antenna array; and wherein determining that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized comprises determining that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized based upon input provided by the antenna technician in response to the prompt.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein determining that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized comprises determining that the beam index scanner data indicates that the downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is not optimized based upon an analysis of the beam index scanner data performed by a machine learning system.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: scanning a plurality of downlink beams transmitted by an antenna array operating in a first antenna configuration to determine beam index scanner data for the first antenna configuration; sending the beam index scanner data for the first antenna configuration to an antenna technician device; scanning the plurality of downlink beams transmitted by the antenna array operating in a new antenna configuration to determine new beam index scanner data for the new antenna configuration, wherein the new antenna configuration comprises the first antenna configuration that has been modified based, at least in part, upon the beam index scanner data; and sending the new beam index scanner data to the antenna technician device, wherein the new beam index scanner data indicates that a downlink channel provided by the downlink beams is optimized.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the first antenna configuration comprises a first azimuth value and a first tilt value associated with a position of the antenna array.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the new antenna configuration comprises a new azimuth value, a new tilt value, or both a new azimuth value and a new tilt value associated with a new position of the antenna array.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of downlink beams are transmitted by the antenna array via a millimeter wave radio access technology.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein scanning the plurality of downlink beams transmitted by the antenna array comprises scanning the plurality of downlink beams transmitted by the antenna array while operating at a network edge of a 5G new radio cell of a 5G radio access network.
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March 2, 2021
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